A/RES/58/147 Taking note of Commission on Human Rights resolution 2003/45 of 23 April 2003 on the elimination of violence against women, 8 as well as all its previous relevant resolutions on this issue, Bearing in mind that domestic violence against women and girls is a human rights issue, Recognizing that domestic violence against women is, inter alia, a societal problem and a manifestation of unequal power relations between women and men, Recognizing also that both men and women have and should take responsibility for promoting gender equality, Recognizing further the serious immediate and long-term implications for health, including sexual and reproductive health, that domestic violence against women can present for individuals and families, Recognizing the implications of domestic violence for the social and economic development of communities and States, Underlining the importance of the empowerment of women and their economic independence as critical tools to prevent and eliminate domestic violence against women, 1. Recognizes: (a) That domestic violence is violence that occurs within the private sphere, generally between individuals who are related through blood or intimacy; (b) That domestic violence is one of the most common and least visible forms of violence against women and that its consequences affect many areas of the lives of victims; (c) That domestic violence can take many different forms, including physical, psychological and sexual violence; (d) That domestic violence is of public concern and requires States to take serious action to protect victims and prevent domestic violence; (e) That domestic violence can include economic deprivation and isolation and that such conduct may cause imminent harm to the safety, health or well-being of women; 2. Welcomes: (a) The activities and initiatives of States aimed at the elimination of domestic violence against women, including legal, educational, economic, social and other measures; (b) The work of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on violence against women, its causes and consequences, and takes note of the report entitled “Developments in the area of violence against women (1994–2002)”; 9 (c) The efforts undertaken by United Nations bodies, funds and programmes, including the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations Population _______________ 8 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2003, Supplement No. 3 (E/2003/23), chap. II, sect. A. 9 E/CN.4/2003/75 and Corr.1 and Add.1, Add.2 and Add.2/Corr.1, Add.3 and Add.4. 2